Translation guide
Expresses that something is true or happens despite a preceding statement or situation. In Japanese, this is often conveyed through conjunctions or sentence-ending patterns that mark a contrast with what was just said.
それでも、行きます。
Even so, I'll go.
それでも、難しいです。
Even so, it's difficult.
The speaker acknowledges a fact or situation, then introduces a contrasting point or action that goes against what might be expected.
The most common and neutral way to say 'even so' or 'but still'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese to introduce a contrasting statement.
雨が降っている。それでも、出かけなければならない。
It's raining. Even so, I have to go out.
彼はとても忙しい。それでも、毎日運動している。
He is very busy. Even so, he exercises every day.
Similar to 'even so', but often carries a nuance of surprise, frustration, or complaint. Common in casual speech.
彼は約束した。それなのに、来なかった。
He promised. Even so, he didn't come.
A more formal and written expression meaning 'despite that' or 'nevertheless'. Often used in reports or formal speech.
多くの問題があった。にもかかわらず、プロジェクトは成功した。
There were many problems. Even so, the project succeeded.
Literally 'even if you say so', used to concede a point but then counter it. Common in conversation.
そうは言っても、やっぱり心配だ。
Even so, I'm still worried.
A conjunction meaning 'although it is said that...' or 'even so'. Attaches to a clause. Somewhat formal.
春とはいえ、まだ寒い。
Even though it's spring, it's still cold. (Even so, it's cold.)
The speaker wants to connect two clauses where the second is unexpected given the first, using a single sentence structure.
Attaches to the plain form of verbs/adjectives to mean 'even though'. Often expresses surprise or disappointment. The second clause states the contrasting fact.
たくさん食べたのに、まだお腹が空いている。
Even though I ate a lot, I'm still hungry. (Even so, I'm hungry.)
A conditional form meaning 'even if'. Used for hypothetical or general situations. The second clause remains unaffected.
雨が降っても、行きます。
Even if it rains, I'll go. (Even so, I'll go.)
Means 'even if one does...' and implies that the result won't change or it's futile. Often used in negative contexts.
今さら謝ったところで、許してもらえないだろう。
Even if you apologize now, you probably won't be forgiven. (Even so, it's no use.)
Both mean 'even so', but それでも is neutral and simply states a contrast. それなのに adds an emotional tone of surprise, disappointment, or complaint. Use それなのに when you want to emphasize that the second fact is unexpected or regrettable.
彼は金持ちだ。それでも、幸せそうではない。
He is rich. Even so, he doesn't look happy. (neutral observation)
彼は金持ちだ。それなのに、いつもお金のことで文句を言っている。
He is rich. Even so, he's always complaining about money. (surprising/annoying)
The particle でも means 'but' or 'however' and is used at the beginning of a sentence, but it does not carry the same concessive force as 'even so'. To express 'even so', use それでも or one of the other patterns. Using でも alone can sound like a simple 'but' and may not convey the intended contrast.
彼は忙しい。でも、手伝ってくれた。
He is busy. But he helped me. (simple contrast)
彼は忙しい。それでも、手伝ってくれた。
He is busy. Even so, he helped me. (stronger contrast, against expectation)
彼は一生懸命勉強した。それでも、試験に落ちた。
He studied hard. Even so, he failed the exam.
その仕事は不可能に思えた。それでも、彼らは諦めなかった。
The task seemed impossible. Even so, they didn't give up.